Story by Tamuka Charakupa
MASHONALAND West Province has recorded steady economic growth, with its gross domestic product (GDP) increasing from ZiG$7.4 billion in 2024 to ZiG$7.51 billion in 2025, driven by improved performance in agriculture, mining, infrastructure development and manufacturing.
The gains were highlighted during the Provincial Strategic Plan Review workshop currently underway in Kadoma, where government officials and stakeholders assessed progress under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS 2).
Addressing delegates at the workshop, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Mashonaland West, Honourable Marian Chombo, said the province was firmly positioned to consolidate economic gains and accelerate development in line with national priorities.
“Our Provincial GDP has grown to iG$7.51 billion in constant prices, and this Strategic Plan gives us a clear pathway to further grow the economy and accelerate development across Mashonaland West. This Strategic Plan in conjunction with the Provincial Economic Development Plan will allow us to target our attention and activities toward areas that will allow us to accomplish the desired economic growth and development aimed at increasing the Provincial GDP,” Honourable Chombo said.
She said the province’s development agenda is aligned with NDS 2, whose primary objective is to consolidate gains from the first phase and drive inclusive, sustainable economic transformation towards Vision 2030.
Key growth drivers identified include increased agricultural production through irrigation development, expanded mining activity and mineral beneficiation, investment in tourism, and the continued rehabilitation of road and communication infrastructure.
Minister Chombo noted that agriculture remains central to the province’s economic performance, with strategies prioritising higher output of tobacco, maize and other cereals through the expansion and rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure.
“The primary goal of NDS 2 is to “Consolidate the gains of NDS1 and drive inclusive, sustainable economic growth and transformation toward the Vision 2030 goal of becoming a prosperous and empowered upper-middle-income society. In the same vein, we will not be left behind as a Province. This Strategic Plan in conjunction with the Provincial Economic Development Plan, will allow us to target our attention and activities toward areas that will allow us to accomplish the desired economic growth and development aimed at increasing the Provincial GDP. Let me remind you of some of the important strategies we outlined in our Provincial Plan for implementation, increasing agriculture output of tobacco, maize and other cereals through extensive development and resuscitation of irrigation infrastructure,” Minister Chombo added.
Stakeholders from sectors such as small and medium enterprises, agriculture and mining welcomed the improved policy environment, while calling for targeted support to unlock further growth.
“As SMEs, we appreciate the improved infrastructure and policy support, but access to affordable finance, reliable energy and serviced industrial spaces will help us expand, create jobs and contribute more to provincial GDP. We also need working spaces in rural communities so that we contribute to rural industrialisation,” a beneficiary said.
Representatives of SMEs said improved infrastructure and policy consistency had created opportunities for expansion, but emphasised the need for affordable finance, reliable energy supply and serviced industrial spaces, including in rural areas, to support job creation and rural industrialisation.
“With the capacitation of artisanal miners and new investments, mining is growing. What we need now is continued support in modern equipment, electricity supply and streamlined licensing processes. We also need a law that protects both farmers and miners as far as mining and farming rights are concerned so that there is a peaceful co-existence,” another beneficiary said.
Farmers reported improved yields in maize, wheat and soya beans, but said sustained investment in irrigation systems, storage facilities and extension services would be critical to maintaining production gains.
“We are seeing higher yields in maize, wheat and soya beans, but sustained government investment in irrigation, storage facilities and extension services is key to maintaining and improving production,” another beneficiary added.
Mining sector players also cited growth in output, attributing it to the capacitation of artisanal miners and new investments, while calling for continued support in modern equipment, electricity supply and streamlined licensing processes to enhance productivity and ensure peaceful coexistence between mining and farming activities.
Economic performance data shows that maize production in the province rose by 96.8 percent, with more than 587 000 metric tonnes harvested. Tobacco deliveries exceeded 100 million kilogrammes, while wheat output surpassed 190 000 metric tonnes, alongside notable growth in soya bean production.
Household food security was further strengthened through the Pfumvudza/Intwasa programme, under which more than 2.18 million plots were prepared across the province.
Mining remained a major contributor to growth, with Mashonaland West producing more than 3 700 kilogrammes of gold, nearly 160 000 tonnes of chrome and over 7 700 kilogrammes of platinum group metals. The commissioning of the Zimplats smelter, a 35-megawatt power plant in Chegutu and the capacitation of more than 1 500 artisanal miners also bolstered sector performance.
Infrastructure development supported economic activity, with over 1 100 kilometres of roads maintained and close to 40 kilometres reconstructed, while manufacturing capacity utilisation averaged 45 percent, supported by new investments.
Overall, Mashonaland West continues to register broad-based economic gains, strengthening its contribution to national development and reinforcing progress towards Vision 2030.
